University of Virginia Library

Land Deed

Before he left for Richmond to secure the funds, Garrett found the time to draw up a land
deed for a forty-eight and three quarter acres tract of land, surveyed by Albemarle County
Surveyor William Woods, that John M. and Frances T. Perry were selling to the university
for $7,231.80. Bordered in part by the Wheelers and Three Notch'd roads and adjacent to the
forty-three and three quarter acres parcel that the Perrys had sold to the Central College, the
second tract greatly increased the holdings of the university but its purchase contributed to
the severe financial drain faced by the institution. Upon his return from Richmond, Garrett
made an estimate of the university's financial situation, based on figures provided by the
proctor, and concluded that an additional $97,098.25 was needed to complete the university
—$38,898.25 to finish the buildings already commenced, and $58,200.00 to erect the
buildings not yet started. Some $80,000 of that amount still was wanting, and the private
subscribers to the Central College were expected to provide a maximum of only
$8,800.02.[371] In order to counter "the deplorable state of our funds," which also included
approximately $15,000 in debts owed to university contractors, an appeal was maded to
Senator Cabell to raise the money in the Virginia General Assembly so that the undertakers
would not have to discharge their journeymen for the lack of funds to pay them.[372]